Honey Blog - Let's Talk About Honey...

I Love You, Honey!

Posted by Jessica on Mon, January 30, 2012 - 2:45 PM

This Valentine’s Day, give that special someone something they will love. Whether you’re looking for a gift that is quick and easy or just very inexpensive (it’s free!), show them you care by giving them a honey e-card.

There is no better way to say you care than with a card this Valentine’s Day. We’ve made it even easier (and faster) for you with our brand new honey e-cards, available for free on our website, honey.com.  The National Honey Board has created an I Love You, Honey! e-card for you to fill out and have emailed directly to the recipient(s) of your choice. You can include a sweet message and a delicious honey recipe along with every card.

These entertaining cards are not only available for Valentine’s Day, but get wells, birthdays and so much more. There are a total of 6 to choose from, so head over to our site and check them out!

Comment here: I Love You, Honey! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Honey Is A Quick and Easy Energy Boost

Posted by Jessica on Tue, January 17, 2012 - 4:06 PM

We are into the 3rd week of 2012 and we were wondering how your New Year’s resolutions are going? Has your life begun a new transformation as you have stuck to your goals to make changes that will improve the quality of your life?

Whatever the case, always remember these tips:
1. Make it attainable. Be sure that your resolution is attainable and that you’re confident you can achieve it.
2. Tell everyone. If you tell everyone about your resolution, you are more likely to keep it.
3. Be specific. If you want to get fit in the new year, set a specific goal to achieve.
4. Start small. Create small goals for yourself and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day.
5. Write it down. It’s important to motivate yourself throughout the year. Don’t let yourself forget about your resolution as the year goes on.

If you have faltered a bit, don’t be discouraged. Whether you’re looking for an energy boost or just a sweet reward after a long day, honey is a quick, easy, and delicious all-natural energy source! We hope that you are still going strong with the goals you have set for yourself and look forward to 2012 being a wonderful year for you. 

Comment here: Honey Is A Quick and Easy Energy Boost • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Open a Bottle of the Bubbly and Let’s Celebrate the New Year!

Posted by Jessica on Wed, December 28, 2011 - 1:47 PM

One more week until 2012 and we can’t wait! Whether you are hosting a New Years extravaganza, attending one or snuggling up under a warm blanket and watching the countdown, we hope this past year was a great one.

What better way to ring in 2012 than with a delicious cocktail. The National Honey Board has been working on quite a few new honey drinks this year and we’d love to give you a sneak peak. The Queen Bee Royale calls for sparkling wine or champagne and is the perfect way to ring in the New Year.

So below, just for you is the recipe to this delectable drink.  We’d like to wish you and yours a wonderful last week of 2011 and a very Happy New Year!

The Queen Bee Royale
Recipe:
1- ½ inch piece of honeycomb
1 oz honey liqueur
5 oz sparkling wine or champagne
Pour the honey liqueur into a champagne flute, add the honeycomb piece and fill with sparkling wine or champagne.

Comment here: Open a Bottle of the Bubbly and Let’s Celebrate the New Year! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

One Week and Counting…

Posted by Jessica on Mon, December 19, 2011 - 3:01 PM

With less than a week before Christmas, the final preparations are in full swing! Whether you’re getting the house ready for guests, finishing up your last minute gift buying and wrapping or debating if you want to cook a prime rib or turkey for dinner this weekend, we are on the home stretch. This last week is by far, more stressful than the rest and all the planning comes down to this.

We want you to know you’re not alone and we are here to help. We’ve got over 1,500 recipes to make this year’s holiday easier. Check out honey.com to find recipes from appetizers, entrées, cocktails and so much more. We also have a section on beauty products, to help you relax and make the most of this time of year.

And don’t forget, we are in the midst of our 12 Drinks of Christmas on Facebook. Each day, we are featuring a drink, complete with recipe for our fans. If you haven’t followed us yet, we’d love to have you as a fan too. We are half way through and have more delicious recipes coming throughout the week.

Your friends at the National Honey Board want to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday and a wonderful New Year!

Comment here: One Week and Counting… • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

On The First Day of Christmas…

Posted by Jessica on Mon, December 12, 2011 - 3:45 PM

Can you finish this sentence? On the first day of Christmas…. my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree. We’re sure most of you can, but around the fourth or fifth day, that’s where we tend to get a little mixed up and start making up our own words.

This year, we figured since we make up our own words anyways, we would put our own spin on this classic song. We decided to call this ‘The 12 Drinks of Christmas.’ With honey being such a versatile ingredient, we were sure to find 12 amazing recipes that we could share for each day leading up to Christmas.

So, if you are looking to bulk up your recipe folder, or just wanting some fun drinks to try around the holidays, look no further. We are posting one recipe each day, every day, until Christmas. ‘The 12 Drinks of Christmas’ starts today, so head on over to our Facebook page and check it out.

Everyone knows the holidays are a little sweeter when you add some honey!

Comment here: On The First Day of Christmas… • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Stress of the Holiday Season

Posted by Jessica on Mon, December 05, 2011 - 12:10 PM

Do you find that rather than feeling jolly and care-free over the holidays, this time of year leaves you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Well, you’re not alone. According to a survey done by Mental Health Today, finances are the number one stressor, followed by memories of loved ones passing away and having too much to get done. 

The Mayo Clinic came up with some helpful hints to deal with the stressors of the holidays. They had some really great tips, like being realistic, sticking to the budget, planning ahead, and learning to say no.

For most of us, the least stressful part around the holidays is spending time with family and friends. So this year, try your best not to sweat the small stuff. Keep things in perspective and understand that you can’t and shouldn’t expect yourself to do it all. Enjoy the little things and if you didn’t get around to cleaning your house, remember this, your guest aren’t there to see your home, they’re there to see you.

This holiday season, let us help. We have a database of over 1,500 recipes from appetizers and desserts, to baked goods and cocktails. We have everything you need to take the stress of entertaining off your metaphorical plate. Whether you want to treat yourself to a Honey Mocha Mint Body Polish or make a little extra to bottle up as gifts, the National Honey Board would like you to not only take care of your friends and family, but also take care of yourself this holiday season. After all, there is only one of you.

Comment here: Stress of the Holiday Season • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

This Holiday Season, You May Want all the Energy You Can Get!

Posted by Jessica on Mon, November 28, 2011 - 9:02 AM

We are sure many of you were out this past Friday, up at the crack of dawn to get your hands on some of the best deals of the year. The lines were long and the crowds were thick. You used all the energy you could muster, to get to the most stores with the best deals, all before the door busters were gone.  This year, add a new tactic to get a leg up on the competition, honey!

Honey is a natural energy booster and that pure sweetness is all you will need to keep your body going. Honey has a unique carbohydrate composition of natural sugars, as well as trace amounts of antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. It’s such a versatile product, that not only is it used in cooking, baking, beauty and throat-soothing, athletes use it as a natural source of energy too.

Honey is also a rich source of carbohydrates, and because carbohydrates are the primary fuel for the body’s energy, it makes sense to have a little honey before you brave this year’s holiday shopping.

So this season, keep some honey close by for that holiday party or that last minute gift. You will need all the energy you can get!

Comment here: This Holiday Season, You May Want all the Energy You Can Get! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

This Thanksgiving, We are Thankful for You!

Posted by Jessica on Mon, November 21, 2011 - 8:00 AM

Thanksgiving is a time where we all can come together, to spend time in the company of loved ones enjoying honey ham and pumpkin pie. For many people, Thanksgiving is largely about the feast, family, friends and of course, football. It’s also an important time to look back over the past year, remembering the wonderful things in your life and being thankful for all that you are blessed with. 

This Thanksgiving, we would like to say “thank you” to all the wonderful people who support the National Honey Board. From the fans and followers on our social media sites, to all the people in this industry. We are fortunate to have so many people who care about honey. We couldn’t do what we do without the assistance and input from all of you.

We are grateful for the many years of support and this Thanksgiving, we are so very thankful for you. Happy Thanksgiving, from all your friends at the National Honey Board.

Comment here: This Thanksgiving, We are Thankful for You! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Stay Moisturized With Honey this Fall!

Posted by Jessica on Mon, November 14, 2011 - 2:25 PM

With the cool, crisp air and the falling leaves, most of you are well aware of what this time of year brings in terms of skin care. Dryness! Hands are dry, lips are cracked and knees and elbows are in desperate need of some moisture. This season, you’re in luck because honey is an all-natural ingredient that can be used to moisturize your skin.

Honey is a humectant, which means that it attracts and retains moisture. Honey is perfect for a variety of moisturizers, cleansers, creams and bubble bath elixers.

Honey is also a simple ingredient to add to store bought beauty products. Simply add a bit to your moisturizer, hair care products or soap at home and give yourself the spa like fell at a fraction of the cost. You can also check out our website (honey.com), to get some wonderful skin treatment ideas and homemade moisturizers, masks and scrubs.

Instead of fearing this time of year, embrace it. Put your honey to good use – your skin will thank you for it.

Comment here: Stay Moisturized With Honey this Fall! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

What Were Your Favorites?

Posted by David on Tue, October 25, 2011 - 10:06 AM

Just as Winnie The Pooh dreams of honey, we know you’ll be savoring these delicious treats. Let us know which recipes you and your family like best and check out “Winnie The Pooh” on Blu-ray and DVD available today!

Comment here: What Were Your Favorites? • Currently (1) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Winne the Pooh - Cooking with Honey

Posted by David on Fri, October 21, 2011 - 11:18 AM

Looking for a way to substitute honey for other sweeteners? Not so familiar with cooking with honey? Winnie The Pooh is an expert! Check out Pooh Bear’s tips for incorporating honey into your cooking:

Click here to download the Winnie the Pooh cooking tips!

Comment here: Winne the Pooh - Cooking with Honey • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Winnie the Pooh Tea-Time Treats

Posted by David on Wed, October 19, 2011 - 9:01 AM

Winnie The Pooh is the Hundred Acre Woods’ resident honey lover and he likes to start and end every meal with a spot of honey.  Whether you want to start your day off with a sweet treat or partake in a midday snack, these Winnie The Pooh Tea-Time Treats are easy to make and oh-so delicious!

Click here to download a PDF of the Tea-Time Treat recipes!

Comment here: Winnie the Pooh Tea-Time Treats • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Winnie the Pooh Honey Snack Recipes

Posted by Emily on Fri, October 14, 2011 - 9:00 AM

Even though National Honey Month has come to a close, there’s no reason to stop celebrating the wonders of honey! We have teamed up with everyone’s favorite honey-loving bear, Winnie The Pooh, to highlight some delicious honey recipes for you to try at home. Create a honey feast just in time for the release of “Winnie The Pooh” on Blu-ray and DVD on October 25, 2011.

To avoid a grumbling tummy, make sure to have these Winnie The Pooh tested honey snacks on-hand.

Click here to download the PDF recipe page shown at left!

Comment here: Winnie the Pooh Honey Snack Recipes • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

September is National Honey Month!

Posted by Emily on Thu, September 08, 2011 - 11:18 AM

Ah, September… This is the month to celebrate the sweetest gift of nature – honey, of course! This one, simple ingredient is all-natural, delicious and versatile. Welcome to National Honey Month!

The National Honey Board (NHB) has always recognized the importance of honey bees and the benefits of honey. So, in 1989, the NHB worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to give honey the praise that it’s due and September was officially deemed National Honey Month. We’re sure some of you are wondering, Why September? The answer’s quite fitting, really – it’s because much of our U.S. honey is harvested during this time.

Americans consume approximately 1.3 pounds of honey per person annually, and now more than ever, people are realizing the incredible versatility of this all-natural ingredient. From the kitchen pantry to the bathroom vanity and beyond, honey plays a valuable role in our everyday lives. (Find out more by visiting our Benefits of Honey page.)

Here are just a few ways you can enjoy honey and its many benefits this month… and any other day of the year!

• Get to know your local beekeeper!  Research beekeepers in your area that are open to visitors, and witness the honey extraction process in action. You’ll never look at a bee the same way again.
• If you need some extra energy while on the go, you’re in luck. Honey is a natural energy booster, so throw some honey sticks into your bag and enjoy a sweet pick-me-up anytime of the day.
• Did you know that honey is a natural skin moisturizer? Invite some friends over for a spa party! Homemade honey beauty treatments are affordable and tons of fun!
• If the chilly fall air is causing a cough, just add a teaspoon of honey to hot tea. Honey is a natural cough suppressant, so drink tea and honey as much and often as needed.
• Create your own beautiful “honey bar” at home by displaying a variety of honeys on your kitchen counter. There are more than 300 varietals of honey to choose from, all varying in color and texture!

Have fun with your honey bear (literally) this month and celebrate the benefits of honey!

Comment here: September is National Honey Month! • Currently (1) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Discover the Beauty of Pure Honey

Posted by Emily on Fri, July 22, 2011 - 1:45 PM

Did you know that honey is an effective natural skin moisturizer? As a humectant, honey attracts and retains moisture, leaving skin hydrated and glowing. This sweet ingredient lends itself well to lotions, bubble bath elixirs and creams, as maintaining proper moisture is crucial during seasonal challenges like dry, cold winters or, conversely, hot summer weather when moisture is drawn from the skin.

To spread the word about honey in beauty applications, the National Honey Board recently held the Discover the Beauty of Pure Honey event with beauty maven Gretta Monahan at the Caudalie Spa in New York City. The spa, known for its Vinothérapie treatments, is located in The Plaza Hotel and uses honey in many of its products.

The spa was indeed luxurious, with its soft lighting and music and the scent of relaxation in the air, and the honey event was equally exquisite. Upon the guests’ arrivals, refreshing honey beverages and beauty foods, prepared by Todd English’s Food Hall, were available to whet their appetites, followed by mingling and Caudalie wine.

Our beauty spokesperson, Gretta Monahan, kicked off the event with a wealth of beauty how-to’s and tips, weaving honey into the mix at every turn. As a spa and business owner and a regular on The Rachel Ray Show, Gretta knows the importance of natural ingredients – and according to her, honey is the “liquid gold” of the beauty industry. She even shared some of her exclusive honey beauty recipes for the event, including a do-it-yourself honey facial.

The tables were set with small mirrors, hair ties, wooden applicators, cotton pads, hand towels and honey, as Gretta led the group through the luxurious Honey-Infused Facial. She explained honey’s role in beauty treatments and alerted the guests to the new NHB research that proves honey as an effective skin moisturizer.

Gretta also showcased the idea of honey beauty parties with friends. In today’s economy, it is difficult to spare the money for high-end spa treatments, so why not treat yourself to them at home? These honey beauty parties provide an opportunity to spend quality time bonding with friends without breaking the bank. Gretta suggested serving a beauty foods menu (that includes honey, of course!) to accompany the at-home spa treatments.

The event was a blast, but don’t feel like you missed out – you can find terrific beauty recipes for your own honey beauty party at home, all on http://www.honey.com/nhb/recipes.

Comment here: Discover the Beauty of Pure Honey • Currently (1) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

International Association of Culinary Professionals

Posted by Emily on Fri, July 01, 2011 - 2:27 PM

The International Association of Culinary Professionals is a wonderful conference that brings together foodservice professionals, food bloggers and various media for seminars, workshops and more. During this year’s conference, held June 1-4 in Austin, Texas, we exhibited at the Culinary Expo, which showcased the newest in food products, food trends, cookbooks and kitchenware.

I’m sure you’re thinking, Why was the National Honey Board at IACP? The NHB doesn’t sell anything. Well, we “sell” inspiration. Our goal in being present at IACP was to connect with the foodservice industry (or at least a portion of it) on a face-to-face level, inspiring them to use honey on the menu. Many foodservice professionals aren’t aware of honey’s versatility and this expo gave the NHB a chance to discuss and show honey’s various culinary applications.

At our booth, we provided helpful materials like a substitution chart and various recipe brochures, and we sampled two different honey granolas: Honey Pumpkin Spice and Honey Cinnamon Coconut. Attendees flocked to our booth for the sweetened nibbles and for the refreshing citrus water we had on hand, complete with oranges, lemons and limes.

Just like our food and water went hand-in-hand, we couldn’t have a honey booth without some scrumptious honey for our booth-goers to try!  Our honey tasting was a hit among this food-centric crowd. We sampled alfalfa, sage, orange blossom, eucalyptus, avocado and buckwheat, with avocado coming in first place for wide-eyed grins. (If you’ve never done a varietal tasting, you should… It’s amazing how different the honeys can taste!)

We always like to provide a “takeaway” at our booth so that attendees can remember honey at home and our various messaging. Since this was a food-focused event, we decided to give away yellow aprons with our Honey ONE logo on them. As usual, attendees were very appreciative and said they couldn’t wait to go home and try them out. (We’re always so pleased to meet so many nice and interesting people at events like this!)

This year’s conference was a blast and we’re already looking forward to next year!

*Stay tuned for more updates on our busy year with honey…

Comment here: International Association of Culinary Professionals • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

The Sticky Station, Bayou Bakery

Posted by Emily on Mon, April 18, 2011 - 11:05 AM

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington, Virginia (located just outside Washington, D.C.). This lovely southern-style café – hence the name – is owned by NHB spokesman Chef David Guas. The delicious menu of traditional southern fare with a zesty spin and melt-in-your-mouth beignets were such a treat – and believe us, there was not a crumb left on our plates!

But the stand out to us, besides the vintage décor and Louisiana-inspired menu, was the Sticky Station – a “condiment bar” of varietal honeys. Here, customers will find plenty of honey for those tasty beignets, specialty coffee, loose leaf teas or anything else that suits their fancy. What a novel idea!

Would you like to see a honey (sticky) station in your favorite restaurant? What are some of your favorite varietals that you think would be wonderful features at a station like this?

Comment here: The Sticky Station, Bayou Bakery • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Honey boosted energy levels at the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic!

Posted by Emily on Wed, March 09, 2011 - 10:23 AM

The National Honey Board exhibited at the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic in Washington, D.C., February 18-21, to promote honey as a natural energy booster. This event brought together more than 400 teams of volleyball players, ages 12-18, to compete in a national tournament. Held annually over President’s Day weekend, the tournament draws about 5,000 athletes, more than 700 club coaches and approximately 100 college coaches.

The National Honey Board was excited to participate in this event and to reach out to such a key demographic (young athletes) with our energy messaging. While exhibiting, we handed out many of our marketing brochures, as well as honey lip balms, drawstring sports packs and honey sticks.

Many of the families that attended the event were surprised to learn that honey could be used as an energy booster before, during and after the games. Some family members said they had never even tasted honey! We took it upon ourselves to introduce them to the wonderful world of honey by offering a sample and telling them about the many benefits of the deliciously sweet substance, on and off of the volleyball court.

It was such a pleasure to meet (and create!) so many honey enthusiasts at this volleyball tournament. We’re gearing up for more great energy-boosting events in 2011, so stay tuned for updates!

Comment here: Honey boosted energy levels at the Capitol Hill Volleyball Classic! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

What’s Your Honey IQ?

Posted by Emily on Wed, February 02, 2011 - 8:53 AM

Late last year we conducted a survey geared toward foodservice professionals to gauge their knowledge, usage and perceptions of honey. This was an eye-opening endeavor with more than 600 respondents.

So, what’s the bottom line from this survey? It’s that you definitely can expect to see plenty of honey on menus across the country in the coming year. Here are a few highlights from the survey:

Get those palates ready for some sweet dishes – honey is on its way to stardom!

Comment here: What’s Your Honey IQ? • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

More honey? Yes, please!

Posted by Emily on Tue, January 04, 2011 - 11:22 AM

It’s January… and we all know what that means… New Year’s resolutions! Everyone at the National Honey Board has resolved to use more honey. We’ve talked about the benefits and versatility of honey - cooking with honey, honey as a natural skin moisturizer, energy booster, throat soother and more. But we’re making a concerted effort to take action, squeezing our honey bear a little more often than we used to. How about you? Have you had your honey today?

(Remember, we have a plethora of delicious honey recipes to try… enough to get you through the entire year!)

Comment here: More honey? Yes, please! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Holiday Shopping Buzz

Posted by Emily on Mon, November 29, 2010 - 11:54 AM

The holiday season is in full swing, and you know what that means – cooking, baking, family and friends, and holiday SHOPPING! Even though Black Friday has come and gone, holiday shopping always seems to continue through the very last day of the year. While you’re out and about, wandering through store aisles, wondering what to get Aunt Marge or your coworker, Bill, we at the National Honey Board know the secret to a perfect gift for anyone on your list… HONEY!

Honey is one item that certainly will NOT be re-gifted. Not only is honey a natural, versatile ingredient in the kitchen, but it also has moisturizing and throat soothing benefits for this cold winter weather. Give the gift of honey by itself in a decorative jar or bottle, or give honey as an addition to a beauty or spa gift basket. Check out our recipe database for more wonderful gift ideas!

If you haven’t done so already, sign up for our monthly recipe e-newsletter, The Honey Feast, which will give you numerous tips and ideas for great meals and gifts. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter, so be sure to follow us for the latest in honey news and giveaways.

Happy Holidays!

Comment here: Holiday Shopping Buzz • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Give thanks, honey!

Posted by Emily on Wed, November 17, 2010 - 3:23 PM

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we’re all feeling pretty thankful here at the National Honey Board. Among many things, we’re very thankful for honey, of course! Not only can honey add incredible flavor and functionality to any recipe, but it also can act as an effective throat soother and skin moisturizer as we move into the winter months. And, let’s not forget, that we can use honey as a natural energy booster as the weather gets colder and the nights come earlier each day.

With all of Thanksgiving’s festivities, it’s hard not to swoon over honey’s versatility in the kitchen. Haven’t planned your holiday menu yet? Not to worry – the National Honey Board has a plethora of traditional (and not-so-traditional-but-very-delicious) recipes that will tickle your taste buds and help you to create a fabulous meal in no time. Enjoy the holiday and give thanks to honey, honey!

Comment here: Give thanks, honey! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Announcing the Cooking with My Honey Bear Contest Winners!

Posted by Emily on Tue, October 05, 2010 - 3:07 PM

The random drawing of recipe contest entries has been conducted and we are pleased to announce that Laura M. of Woodstock, Georgia is our Grand Prize winner of the 9-piece Le Creuset® cookware set.

She submitted the following side dish recipe:

Honey Cream Corn

4 ears sweet corn
4 tbsp. cream
4 tbsp. water
4 tsp. honey
Salt
Freshly ground pepper

Cut or strip corn from the cob and place kernels in small saucepan with honey. Mix cream and water together and add half to pan. Simmer corn in cream mixture, stirring in 1 tbsp. of mixture at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add fresh ground pepper and salt to taste. Cook on low to medium heat on stovetop or over a campfire for 10-15 minutes. Pair with a savory vegetable or meat dish and warm biscuits and honey. Makes three, 1/2-cup servings.

The First Place winner of the 5-piece Le Creuset® cookware set is Jacqueline G. of Apple Valley, California. She submitted this recipe:

Fruit and Honey Smoothie

1 frozen banana
3 frozen strawberries
1 1/2 cups skim milk
2 tbsp. honey

Blend in a blender for 1 minute. Makes 2 to 3 servings depending on how hungry you are.

Our Second Place winner of a Le Creuset Dijon Honey Pot and Honey Gift Basket is Steve R. of Mesquite, Texas. His recipe was for Sizzlin’ Summertime Smoothies.

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who participated. Want more? Sign up for the Honey Feast e-newsletter to receive regular updates on new and exciting recipes to try.

Comment here: Announcing the Cooking with My Honey Bear Contest Winners! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

It’s National Honey Month!

Posted by Emily on Fri, September 03, 2010 - 2:29 PM

Before you take a bite of that crisp apple or ripe pear, take a second to salute the humble honey bee who pollinates it and about 80 percent of our nation’s agricultural crops. These hard-working bees also keep us in constant supply of sweet-tasting honey for consumption. September is National Honey Month, providing a perfect opportunity to celebrate nature’s original sweetener.

Americans consume nearly 1.5 pounds of honey per person annually – mixing it into sweet and savory recipes, adding spoonfuls to tea and other beverages, and drizzling it over biscuits, toast and muffins. Consumers can choose from hundreds of honey varieties, each with a special flavor characteristic. These varietal or “mono-floral” honeys result from the bees gathering nectar from flowers of only one type of plant.

Honeys may range from clover and eucalyptus to orange blossom, buckwheat and sage. Generally, lighter colored honeys are milder in flavor, while darker honeys are usually more robust. Local beekeepers are a great source for single varietal honeys, selling their products at farmer’s markets and specialty stores. Visit the honey locator at http://www.honeylocator.com to find a floral source specific to your area.

Explore honey’s versatility, benefits and deliciousness, and have a sweet National Honey Month!

Comment here: It’s National Honey Month! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Honey… Pure Energy

Posted by Emily on Tue, August 17, 2010 - 1:21 PM

The National Honey Board recently exhibited at the IDEA World Fitness Convention in Los Angeles, California. We had a wonderful time and were able to connect with so many inspiring fitness professionals and enthusiasts, nutritionists and athletes.

Honey has been used as a natural energy booster for centuries, and in the last couple of years, NHB has made a bigger push to remind consumers of this benefit of pure honey. At the show, we handed out multiple recipe brochures, water bottles, drawstring bags and honey sticks, and the positive response to our messaging was overwhelming. Not only did the attendees appreciate the honey “gear,” but they also were fascinated by the honey-making process, honey facts and other benefits of the all-natural sweetener.

NHB spokesperson, Mitzi Dulan, RD, was in attendance as well, signing her (and co-author Tony Gonzalez’s) new book, The All-Pro Diet. Excited fitness buffs lined up to receive a copy of the book and to talk to the woman behind the clean-eating teachings and recipes.

Here is a breakdown of honey’s energy-boosting benefits:

• Honey is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams at just 64 calories per tablespoon.
• Pure honey may be an effective form of carbohydrate to ingest just prior to exercise. When honey is eaten before a workout or athletic activity, it is released into the system at a steady rate throughout the event.
• Honey is a great carbohydrate source to combine with post-workout protein supplements. Research has shown that ingesting a combination of carbohydrates and protein immediately following exercise (within 30 minutes) is ideal to refuel and decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness.

Be sure to check out our Benefits of Honey page for more information.

Comment here: Honey… Pure Energy • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Save the Endangered Honey Bear!

Posted by Emily on Fri, May 21, 2010 - 9:56 AM

We need your help to save the endangered Honey Bear. Why is he endangered? Because of a troubling trend taking place: honey-flavored syrups, or honey that’s diluted with other ingredients, are becoming more and more common on store shelves. They masquerade as honey all the while containing as little as 10 percent actual honey.

That’s why today we’re kicking off a national awareness campaign to alert people to always check the label to make sure what they’re buying is 100% pure honey. We’d be grateful to have your support in a number of ways, primarily by spreading the word to your friends and family to always check the label and to also visit our new site, SaveTheHoneyBear.com.

Become a fan of our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter to learn more information as the campaign unfolds. Again, we’d love to have your support in saving the Honey Bear!

Comment here: Save the Endangered Honey Bear! • Currently (2) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

100% Pure?

Posted by Emily on Fri, April 09, 2010 - 9:30 AM

Many people are unaware that the honey they see in some grocery stores may not be 100% pure. All-natural, 100% pure honey will have ONE ingredient listed on the nutrition label: HONEY. Imitation honeys are becoming commonplace in some grocery and dollar stores, most of them containing very little honey at all. Always check the label!

Help us to promote 100% PURE HONEY by spreading the word to your friends and family. Join us on Facebook and Twitter – tell us how you are reaching out to people about the benefits of PURE HONEY. Three randomly-chosen winners will receive a “Purely Sweet” gift basket as a token of our appreciation for your support.

To learn more about pure honey and how to incorporate this all-natural product into your everyday life, go to our Facebook and Twitter pages, and check www.honey.com often for updates and new recipes!

Comment here: 100% Pure? • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

It takes gumption - and a little honey.

Posted by Emily on Tue, February 16, 2010 - 2:55 PM

Have you ever wondered if our recipes are as easy as they seem? Well, I have news for you – they are!

For Valentine’s Day this year, I decided to take my own advice by making a meal for my sweetheart, instead of going out to dinner or buying a box of chocolates. I waded through our database, looking at recipe after recipe. Everything looked delicious, but I was intimidated by some of the recipe directions. (I am not a novice in the kitchen, but I am by no means highly skilled either!)

I decided to bite the bullet and to just pick something that sounded good to my taste buds – and, boy, I was surprised by the results (and so was my “honey”)!  In just a short time, I had an entire meal on the table that was scrumptious and filled with love. And to top it off, my beau was impressed and touched that I took the time and care to make him a meal.

What was I so nervous about?! As Julia Child once said, “Don’t fear the duck” – meaning, don’t let your fears stand in the way of a delicious (if not adventurous!) meal. All it takes is the gumption to get started… and maybe a little honey!

Happy Cooking!

Emily

Comment here: It takes gumption - and a little honey. • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted by Emily on Fri, February 12, 2010 - 9:19 AM

The National Honey Board would like to wish all of you a very happy Valentine’s Day. Take this time to appreciate your loved ones and let them know you care. Here is a simple and delicious recipe that goes above and beyond the typical box of chocolates. We guarantee your “honey” will delight in the thoughtfulness of a homemade treat. Enjoy!

Creme Honey Truffles
Makes 32 servings

6 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 cup crème honey
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

In top of double boiler, melt chocolate with 1/4 cup cream. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Beat in honey and remaining cream. Chill mixture for one hour, or until firm. Place cocoa in shallow bowl. Using fingertips, shape honey mixture into 1-inch balls and roll in cocoa. Store truffles in refrigerator.

Serving Size: 1 truffle
Nutrition: 66 Calories * 5 g Fat Total * 8 mg Cholesterol * 3 mg Sodium * 7 g Carbohydrates * 1 g Dietary Fiber * 1 g Protein *

Comment here: Happy Valentine’s Day! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Sweet Web site!

Posted by Emily on Tue, February 09, 2010 - 10:12 AM

As the Marketing Assistant for the National Honey Board, I would like to invite you to take a look at our new (as of 2010) Web site. You may notice the look and feel to be different than the previous site, but we have also updated our content and changed things around a bit for easier navigation.

Our recipe database is still extensive and well-rounded. Our educational tools are still readily available. Our site is still your one-stop shop for all things honey. However, we are making it a primary goal to reach out to all of you, giving you updates on the industry and honey trends and answering any educational and technical questions you may have about honey.

We’ve added this blog and our other social media tools (Facebook and Twitter) to the mix to be able to better interact with consumers and the industry. We’ve also expanded our industry reach to include the baking, beverage, snack and candy industries. Check back often for updates on featured chefs, our baking Web site (www.BakingWithHoney.com), contests and much, much more!

This is an exciting time for us at the National Honey Board, and we want to include you in the journey.

Bee sweet,
Emily Jack

Comment here: Sweet Web site! • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

And the Winner Is…

Posted by Emily on Fri, January 22, 2010 - 12:05 PM

After an overwhelming response to our contest (and by overwhelming we mean exciting and better than we could have imagined), we have finally decided on a blog name. Congratulations to Anne-Marie Barnett Nichols with her entry, “Straight from the Hive!”

One of our messages here at the National Honey Board is that honey is pure and all natural. Pure honey comes straight from the hive to you, the consumer. So, what a fitting name for our blog! However, there were some amazing entries, and it was a tough decision. All of you are so creative!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the contest, as well as to all of our fans. It is wonderful to watch our social media fan base grow every day, and we truly appreciate your support. Don’t forget to mention us to your friends – we want to reach as many people as we can about the sweet goodness of honey!

Comment here: And the Winner Is… • Currently (0) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Name This Blog!

Posted by Emily on Wed, January 06, 2010 - 11:10 AM

Okay, so we’ve launched this blog. We have in our minds that it is going to be fabulous, thrilling and informative. (And it is!) But we have a little problem: it’s nameless! This is where you, our readers, followers and fans, come in.

The National Honey Board is hosting a “Name That Blog” contest, where all of you can submit your suggestions through our Facebook page (National Honey Board) for your chance to win an amazing honey gift basket! We want to hear from you, so please, join in the fun and share your suggestions!

Comment here: Name This Blog! • Currently (4) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed

Welcome to the National Honey Board’s blog!

Posted by Emily on Wed, January 06, 2010 - 10:39 AM

We thought we would start off 2010 with a bang – by joining the social media circuit. In this day and age, it seems that everyone is connected through social networking sites and reading blogs. It just seems natural that we follow suit. Please check us out on Facebook (National Honey Board) and Twitter (NationalHoney) to learn more about honey.

We will provide updates on honey facts and nutrition information, honey in the news, new recipes and trends, and honey’s many, many uses. So, let the National Honey Board be your resource for all things honey!

Thanks for your support, and welcome to 2010!

Comment here: Welcome to the National Honey Board’s blog! • Currently (5) Comments •

Subscribe to RSS feed